Oakland hires new superintendent of schools

The city’s school board unanimously approved the hiring of Antwan Wilson, currently an associate superintendent in Denver.

Wilson’s four-year contract includes a $280,000 annual salary, health and retirement benefits as well as $28,000 to help cover moving costs.

“I’m honored that the school board directors, as representatives of the Oakland public, have chosen to entrust me with this position and the tremendous responsibility it carries,” Wilson said in a statement. “The energy in the city is palpable, and I can’t wait to come together with the community and harness that enthusiasm to serve children, improve academic achievement and produce better life outcomes for Oakland students.”

Wilson, 42, was a standout among the 20 applicants for the job, specifically for his work turning around a troubled high school in Denver.

He has worked for the Denver school district for five years.

“Antwan has numerous qualities to recommend him, but we were most impressed by his work in reinvigorating troubled schools, eliminating inequity and producing results for all students, and creating a strong college-going culture everywhere he’s worked,” said school board President David Kakishiba, in the statement.

Wilson, a Lincoln, Neb., native and married father of three, starts on July 1.